Our Specialists

Robert Johnson President, Founder and Chief Technician

It is always nice to hear from a flutist regarding their appreciation of our efforts or noting something we have done that has enhanced their love of playing. It is because of this simple desire to promote flute and to serve the needs of flutists and piccoloists that I established this company twenty years ago, now considered one of the best places in the country to purchase or repair flutes and piccolos. I am pleased to draw upon my three decades of experience in the flute sales and repair industry to provide the highest quality service and objective consultations to flutists, piccoloists and their families.

As a high school flutist, I was awarded a music scholarship to go abroad and study flute performance at Academie Intenationale d'ete de Nice in Nice, France. The highlight of my performance career was performing a solo with an orchestra. I earned a degree in fine art with a focus in painting, sculpting and metalsmithing. I also began to develop and pursue my interest in the technical aspects of flute making and repair. The highlight of my technical training was an invitation to study with the Muramatsu Flute engineers at the Muramatsu Flute factory and facilities in Tokorozawa and Tokyo, Japan. I served as chief technician for Muramatsu USA for ten years before opening Flute Specialists, Inc.

I remain passionate about providing detailed consultations for purchases and repairing instruments. I stay active as a musician now playing in church. I believe it is my extensive training, experience and familiarity with all manufacturers, models and styles of flutes and piccolos that allows me to address the needs of the even the most discerning flutist, whether a soloist, orchestral, concert band, jazz, folk or rock musician.

We sell, repair, service and adjust flutes with traditional felt pads as well as Straubinger pads and other modern pads. I am pleased to provide free, objective consultations for instrument purchases or repairs. This level of service and sensitivity to flutists, piccoloists and their families results in Flute Specialists, Inc. being one of the most highly-regarded flute and piccolo sales and repair companies in the nation.

We are committed to staying with you and your flute or piccolo from the time you purchase it through any repairs or adjustments it may need in its lifetime. Maintaining knowledge of the history of you and your instrument allows a unique perspective that enables us to address any needs that occur. It is our desire to develop enduring relationships with all the flutists and piccoloists we are blessed to have the opportunity to serve. We are here for you when you need us.

All flutists, whether professional musicians, educators, amateurs or intermediate or beginning level players, deserve the services of a highly skilled and experienced repair facility for all repairs from minor adjustments to complete overhauls. This level of expertise is also essential for proper pre-purchase service or warranty adjustments on new and used flute and piccolo purchases. A properly maintained and repaired flute is a more enjoyable instrument to play as well as a protected investment. We look forward to helping you find the right instrument for your performance needs or helping you get the most out of the instrument you now own.

Sergiy Anisimov Technician

Sergiy has been a technician at Flute Specialists for ten years. Emigrating from the Ukraine, Sergiy has a performance degree in accordion and a master's degree in business management.

Immediately upon his arrival to the US, Sergiy began his technical training as an apprentice with us. Sergiy is now a flutist and a citizen of the United States and remains an active member of the national flutist and piccoloist community as a repair technician.

He is an expert in flute, piccolo, alto, bass and contra bass flute repairs and new instrument servicing.

Therese Franchini Bookkeeper

Therese has a BSBA in Accounting from Central Michigan University. She has over 20 years of accounting experience in many industries. Therese isn’t a musician, but has over 20 years of dance experience. She currently resides in Rochester Hills, MI with her son, Joey and daughters Ashley and Katie.

Miranda Browne Artist in Residence

Miranda Browne has a Bachelor’s Degree in Flute Performance from Central Michigan University and performs locally as a soloist and with her classical guitar duo partner. Aside from playing the flute, Miranda has a minor in biology and has a fascination for music and its effects on the different parts of the brain. A former student of the FS studio, Miranda is excited to be part of the Flute Specialists team and enjoys meeting new people who share her love for all things flute.

Jessica ThomasArtist in Residence

Jessica Thomas has a Master's Degree from Wright State University in Flute Performance (2017) and a Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State University in Flute Performance (2015). While at Michigan State, she also received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. She has attended the Vianden International Chamber Music Festival in Luxembourg and the Pierre Monteux Orchestra Festival in Hancock, Maine. Jessica also competed in and won a chamber music competition hosted at Wright State prior to graduating with her master's degree. As Artist-in-Residence, Jessica helps to run our social media pages and is excited to be working with such a wonderful team at Flute Specialists.

Heather NeuenschwanderWeb Manager and Newsletter Editor

Heather has a Master's Degree in Flute Performance from Oakland University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Wayne State University. She previously taught band, choir, and music appreciation in public, private, and charter schools for five years. She currently teaches in the music prep division at Oakland University. She enjoys working on the Flute Specialists web site, social networking sites, and editing the newsletter.